Our beloved 1983 240 even has a great sound system, a bonus from having been totaled out in a wreck. At 240,000 miles, it’s well-maintained by our local classic-Volvo mechanic.

But we can barely hear the music. The old belts squeak, making Oleo (his name) sound like the ants from the movie Them.

I once heard of a product called “belt dressing.” Would that help or hurt?

Ideas welcomed!

chas

 

Yes but use sparingly!
Try to check belt condition and tightness first!

Goldenblock
Senior Member

 

The alternator/ps pump and ac compressor are mounted in rubber bushings that sag/degrade. That will cause the pulleys to not line up exactly, and the belts will rub on the side of the pulleys. (wearing the sides of the belts and making noises) Belt dressings is a lubricant. Would not suggest a product such as that.

If your pulleys are aligned (rubber bushings are not worn out) and there is still belt noise - you can determine which belt ( twin alternator, ps or ac) but spraying a solvent such as brake clean on each belt to temporarily lubricate the squeaking offender. If the angled sides of the belt are shiny rubber (from wear) - they are going to be noisy. A trick I used to do - is carefully touch the edges of the noisy belt with a round file with the engine running. That will quieten the belt. Proceed at your own risk but I used that method to quieten 240 belts for years. That was almost impossible to safely due on the twin alternator belts!